Eastern Illinois University

Eastern Illinois University admits approximately 67.8% of applicants, meaning roughly 2 in 3 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places Eastern Illinois in the Moderately Selective category, making it accessible to a broad range of qualified students.

The peer median admission rate of 84.6% indicates that Eastern Illinois is somewhat more selective than typical regional public universities, accepting 16.8 percentage points fewer applicants than the average peer institution. This moderate selectivity suggests that while the university maintains academic standards, students with solid high school preparation have good prospects for admission.

The university's approach reflects its mission to serve both traditional college-bound students and those seeking alternative pathways to higher education, including the substantial transfer population that comprises 39.6% of enrollment. For prospective students, this admission rate indicates that Eastern Illinois represents a realistic option for those with average to above-average academic preparation.

Students should still present their strongest academic credentials, but the 67.8% acceptance rate suggests that most qualified applicants will receive serious consideration. Building a balanced college list that includes Eastern Illinois as a target school, along with more and less selective options, represents sound application strategy for students with typical academic preparation.

Eastern Illinois University's published cost of attendance reaches $26,164 per year, including $15,879 in out-of-state tuition, $11,298 for room and board, and $150 for books and supplies. In-state students pay $13,403 in tuition, reducing the total cost significantly.

However, the average student pays just $14,093 after financial aid, representing savings of $12,071 from the sticker price. This net price matches exactly with the peer median of $14,093, indicating competitive affordability within Eastern Illinois's institutional category.

The substantial gap between published price and actual cost demonstrates the university's commitment to making education accessible through financial aid. For families evaluating college costs, the $26,164 sticker price should not deter consideration, as most students pay significantly less after aid.

The university's financial aid approach targets support effectively, with net prices varying substantially by family income level. Eastern Illinois's position at the peer median for net price, combined with above-peer earnings outcomes, creates favorable value proposition for students seeking practical returns on educational investment.

The moderate published prices and substantial aid availability make Eastern Illinois accessible to families across income spectrums.

Eastern Illinois University graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth over time. Median earnings rise from $42,694 six years after enrollment to $48,019 at eight years and $51,989 at ten years, representing 21.8% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes are based on substantial cohorts, with 3,612 graduates included in the ten-year earnings analysis, providing high confidence in the reported figures. Graduates earn $2,057 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Eastern Illinois in the 63.9th percentile for earnings uplift and qualifying as a top 50 institution for value-added performance.

Low-income graduates earn $43,300, also ranking in the top 50 nationally, indicating effective support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Earnings span from $35,825 at the 25th percentile to $72,492 at the 75th percentile, reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory.

Approximately 21.0% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education. The institution's performance relative to peer institutions, with graduates earning $1,873 more than the peer median, demonstrates consistent value delivery.

Eastern Illinois University offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for ranking analysis. General Studies leads enrollment with 123 graduates and ranks #44 nationally, producing median earnings of $46,407 with a strong value score of 76.2.

Psychology ranks #83 nationally and #4 in Illinois, graduating 102 students with median earnings of $43,847 and a value score of 76.3. Family and Consumer Sciences achieves exceptional national recognition, ranking #7 nationally and #2 in Illinois, with 64 graduates earning $39,560.

Exercise Science and Kinesiology graduates 84 students annually, ranking #131 nationally but maintaining solid in-state positioning at #6. Adult and Continuing Education ranks #54 nationally and #3 in Illinois, serving 75 graduates with earnings of $44,325.

Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies achieves #1 ranking in Illinois, graduating 36 students with earnings of $53,724, demonstrating program excellence within the state. These flagship programs reflect Eastern Illinois University's strength in practical, career-focused education with strong regional recognition.